Preview | Oxford United v Swansea City
Swansea City and Oxford United face each other in a league fixture for the first time since 2005 when they lock horns this afternoon (12.30pm).
The Swans head to the Kassam Stadium looking to return to winning ways following a frustrating run where they have been unable to turn their dominance and chances in games into goals and points.
The U's, meanwhile, are unbeaten on home turf on their return to the Championship after an absence of a quarter of a century and will be looking to keep that run going at the visitors' expense.
Team news
Kristian Pedersen is back in contention for the Swans after a hamstring injury, while head coach Luke Williams has no new injury concerns on the back of a three-game week.
Andy Fisher, Josh Ginnelly, Jisung Eom and Sam Parker will all miss out for the Swans, but new signing Cyrus Christie is available for selection.
Pre-match views
Luke Williams: “These guys are so desperate to do well, they want to have a good season, do well and help the club. They have to relax a bit more in the big moments. It’s a group of young players, particularly at the top of the pitch, and they will come good.
“I think it’s fair to say that the team looks like it’s organised and knows what it’s trying to do.
“The players are motivated and working hard for each other, we’re competitive in the games, and there are small margins in the games that could have meant we come away with more points.
“So, it’s not as terrible as it sounds. I believes West Brom are on a similar run to us and I’m sure nobody is panicking there.
“We shouldn’t be too disappointed with the performances and if we can maintain that things will change."
Des Buckingham: “It’ll be challenging, but it's not one we’re going to shy away from or make excuses for.
"We know we’ve got players out, and we know those players aren’t back until after the international window, but we’ve already shown without those players we can compete and take points in this league.
“Certainly at home, we’ve been able to demonstrate that a lot more in terms of returning points, and that’s what we’ll be looking to do on Saturday.”
Meet the officials
Michael Salisbury is the man in the middle for this afternoon's game.
This will be the Preston official’s third game in charge of the Swans, and you can find out more about him and his team below.
Remember the last time?
Swansea City bowed out of the Carabao Cup after losing a penalty shoot-out following a 2-2 draw on their last visit to Oxford United for a competitive fixture.
Jay Fulton had fired home an early free-kick for his first goal since April 2021, before Liam Cullen ended a similar wait to find the net for the Swans when he smartly finished to double the lead.
Russell Martin’s side had numerous opportunities to put the game beyond doubt, but Alex Gorrin’s goal allowed the hosts a way back into the contest they simply should not have had, and Cameron Brannagan’s deflected stoppage-time free-kick sent the tie to penalties.
After seven successful spot-kicks from the two sides, Matty Sorinola saw his effort saved onto the crossbar and it proved to be the difference.
Prime numbers
20 - It has been 20 years since Swansea City last faced Oxford in an away league fixture. Marc Goodfellow was the goalscorer on that day as the Swans won 1-0 in December 2004.
29 - This will be the 29th meeting between the sides, but it will be the first time the teams have locked horns in the second tier.